Watch HAPPYish

HAPPYish is a comedy-drama television series that premiered on Showtime in 2015. The show stars Steve Coogan as Thom Payne, a middle-aged advertising executive who is struggling to find happiness and meaning in his life. Kathryn Hahn plays Thom's wife, Lee Payne, and Sawyer Shipman plays their young son, Julius.

Throughout the first season, Thom is challenged both by his job and by his personal life. He works at an advertising agency that has been taken over by a group of younger executives who are more interested in data and analytics than in creativity and intuition. Thom feels increasingly out of place in this new environment, which he sees as shallow and soulless. Meanwhile, at home, he is dealing with the challenges of being a working parent, as well as the fact that his relationship with Lee has lost some of its spark.

Despite these challenges, Thom tries to remain optimistic and to find happiness in small moments of joy. He finds solace in his friendship with Jonathan (played by Bradley Whitford), a successful writer who is struggling with his own midlife crisis. Together, Thom and Jonathan muse on the meaning of life, the nature of happiness, and the struggles of the modern world.

One of the central themes of HAPPYish is the tension between traditional values and new technologies. The advertising industry is portrayed as an industry in flux, with traditional advertising methods being replaced by more data-driven approaches. Thom is skeptical of this shift, arguing that advertising should be about storytelling and human connection, not just about numbers and algorithms. At the same time, the show explores the impact of technology on everyday life, as characters grapple with issues like online privacy, social media addiction, and the impact of constant technology on relationships.

HAPPYish is a quirky and offbeat show that combines elements of comedy, drama, and satire. The writing is clever and insightful, and the show tackles big topics with a light touch. The characters are well-drawn and complex, with each person struggling to find their place in the world. Steve Coogan gives a strong performance as Thom, capturing both his wit and his vulnerability. Kathryn Hahn is equally compelling as Lee, bringing depth and nuance to her performance. Sawyer Shipman is a standout as Julius, bringing a childlike innocence and wonder to the show.

The show's production values are also strong, with striking visuals and memorable music. The opening credits sequence is a particular standout, featuring a whimsical animation that sets the tone for the show. The show's soundtrack is eclectic, featuring a mix of indie rock, classic soul, and old-school hip-hop.

In summary, HAPPYish is a show about the struggles of modern life, the tension between tradition and progress, and the quest for meaning and happiness in a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming. It's a smart, funny, and thought-provoking show that will appeal to viewers who are looking for something a little different. While the show only ran for one season, it remains a memorable and engaging piece of television.

HAPPYish is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between April 26, 2015 and on Showtime